Freeport teacher pleads no contest to terrorizing after gun comment

WEST BATH, Maine — A Freeport Middle School teacher charged with terrorizing for a remark he made about bringing a gun into the school pleaded no contest on Monday.

One parent told The Portland Press Herald that David Mason was frustrated with his seventh-grade class in February and told them he wanted to take them to the roof and shoot them with an M-16. Under the plea agreement, the charge will be dismissed if Mason stays out of trouble for the next 60 days.

Defense lawyer John Richardson said Monday that his client made a “dumb remark” and said it’s unfortunate that an utterance put his 30-year career in jeopardy.

Richardson said that Mason will work during the upcoming academic year writing curriculum. After that, he may retire.

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CORRECTION:

A headline on an earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the teacher pleaded guilty to the charges against him. He pleaded no contest.